Why We Believe Single Stories

We all believe single stories about others. Whether they come from stereotypes, assumptions, or observations, these stories are often inaccurate. Stereotypes and assumptions are not just made up by single people, rather outside influences contribute to single stories believed by and about others. 

The definition of a stereotype is "something conforming to a fixed or general pattern; especially : a standardized mental picture that is held in common by members of a group and that represents an oversimplified opinion, prejudiced attitude, or uncritical judgment". It takes group communication and belief of generalizations to create stereotypes.  

How can stereotypes, assumptions, and/or observations become a single story? Often, stereotypes are made about "the other". This is a person that another person identifies as different and dissociates from. The person could find a perceived negative trait they strive not to have in "the other". Then, the person thinks that, because "the other" is unlike them in one way, they are so unlike them in other ways that they are "the other". It's easier to have stereotypes about "the other" become single stories because "others" with shared stereotypes can be bound by a single story of that stereotype.

Let's trace a hypothetical development of a common stereotype in our society: Asians are bad drivers. Jeremy was walking home from school and almost got hit by an old Asian woman swerving onto the curb. He rushes home and tells his mom, scared by the experience. She laughs and says that the Jeremy shouldn't be surprised, the driver was Asian and naturally bad. The next couple of days, Jeremy is more aware of bad Asian drivers because he's observing to see if the stereotype his mom told him is true. Of course, when he takes more notice of bad Asian drivers, the stereotype appears true to him. He  considers Asian drivers as "the other": Jeremy is white, doesn't drive, and is very alert. In school, Jeremy tells jokes to his friends about all of the bad Asian drivers he sees. His friends chime in with their own stories about bad Asian drivers because Jeremy mentioning the stereotype got them thinking about/ believing in the stereotype more than before. 

The word of mouth from a friend, especially when a story seems legitimate, is a powerful tool for believing stereotypes and generalizing this single story. Sharing stories creates the stereotype, but can also dispel or create different stereotypes. 

The only way to combat ignorance is to share stories. Humans think and learn naturally through stories: movies follow elements of a plot line, history books are written from a single perspective (ie “The White Man’s Burden”), and science is explained through cause and effect (when hydrogen and oxygen react they form water). Therefore, sharing stories connects humanity. When we listen to people’s experiences and understand the differences from single stories, we can appreciate individuals and their diverse culture.